On November 13th, Sofia Tech Park came alive in a different way. It was transformed into a place where young people from across the country and abroad didn’t just listen to inspiring and motivating speakers—they met, communicated, acted, discussed, had fun, generated ideas, and literally redefined the vision of what a place, a community, and a city where everyone feels good should look like.

The “Placemaking Connected Youth” conference, organized by BG Be Active, gathered over 140 participants from 10 countries and once again proved that when young people are given the space to think and act, the result is much more than just ideas on paper or simple projects—the result is momentum and new opportunities for change.

The conference began with a much-needed physical warm-up for greater energy, concentration, mood improvement, and transitioning into an anti-stress mode for fruitful work.

The avatar game made the atmosphere even friendlier and naturally brought all participants closer, helping them to feel connected and confident in communicating, not just because the official language of the event was English. They understood each other through words, gestures, laughter, and shared enthusiasm, which created a sense of community from the very first minutes. The meetings between young people and more experienced adults—experts, speakers, their teachers, and mentors—added an extra element of value to the transfer of knowledge and, simultaneously, to the empowerment of the significant young participants.

“Our goal in being here together is dedicated to building better, more beautiful, and more sustainable cities to live in—spaces where people feel safe, motivated, and connected to each other. I am delighted to see so many young people together! I feel filled with emotion and I want to share with you how excited I am, I even have goosebumps. This moment is truly inspiring and makes me feel the power of community and the energy of the young people around me. I know your task is not easy, but you are the future. And yet, my message to you today is to have fun, make new friends, and take something significant from this experience,” said Laska Nenova, founder and general manager of BG Be Active, early in the meeting to the large audience.

Maria Marinova – Alkalay, one of the event’s speakers, emphasized to the young people that this was a learning space. A place where they don’t need to argue or agree at all costs. She pointed out that everyone has the right to disagree, to listen, to be fully focused, or sometimes distracted, because “everything is what it is and everything is completely okay.” Among the other interesting and key speakers at the event were Chavdar Vluchkov from Belgium and Vivian Doumpa from Greece.

The event sent a clear message: climate, cities, and the future are not distant subjects that someone else should take care of and develop—they are here and now, and young people are part of the solution. With the help of the Placemaking methodology and everything Vivian Doumpa shared and demonstrated, participants saw how ideas come to life and how strong the connection can be between the urban environment, an active lifestyle, and sustainability. Green spaces, opportunities for sport, safe meeting places, creativity, and social dynamics are vital components of our lives and a proactive defense against climate stress, social isolation, and lack of movement.

An important topic on the event’s agenda was the mental and social resilience of young people in an era of climate change and instability. Chavdar Vluchkov stressed that the world today is at a crossroads—economic inequality, climate change, and rapid technological shifts are shaking societies and intensifying social isolation. Young people often feel inadequate, which is why the future requires the development of emotional resilience, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. We need connected, supported, informed, and confident young people who understand the power of community. A city or settlement is not just buildings and streets; it is a network of human relationships.

The practical workshops gave participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the process “from the inside.” And one of the most valuable things was the experience of being part of something big and significant, sharing, and working in a team.

The Speaker’s Corner became the inspiring stage where young people demonstrated that change is already happening in various directions: volunteering, sporting events, social causes, ecological campaigns, and urban innovation. Ideas for joint causes, new friendships, and future collaborations were born there. It became clear that when young people meet and are motivated, cities and societies win.

The Exhibitor Zone turned into one of the most vibrant and energizing places at the event. Lots of smiles, impromptu conversations, new plans, and shared causes. The energy was strong and authentic. The organizations that made this zone so exciting are: ResQcare, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bulgaria, Bulgarian Red Cross, BOVBD, Association “Youth for Responsible Civil Activism” /MOGA/, Association “Future Now,” Barabar, Association “Infinite Opportunities.” All partners, speakers, and volunteers who believed in the mission of the event and supported it with their experience and enthusiasm also worked toward this goal.

The professionalism of the hosts at Sofia Tech Park enabled the smooth running of the conference. They didn’t just provide a space; they created an environment where young people could feel good, free, heard, and important.

The conference officially ended, but not in spirit. Participants left with certificates, new skills, and unforgettable experiences, as well as the feeling that there is no need to wait to be part of the change. It is possible and it starts with the community. And every young person can be a driver of impact: in their neighborhood, their school, their university, their city. This is how the active, green, social, and healthy cities we all need are born, even in a world of climate challenges.

“Placemaking Connected Youth” 2025 left behind not just inspiration, but an impulse. And if there is one word to summarize the entire day, it is togetherness. Young people had fun, shared, connected, and proved that they are ready not only to dream of a better future but to build it.